The tai cut under tight trousers

Short answer: A tai has a narrow back and a high-cut leg, so there is little fabric to see under tight trousers. That makes it a good choice when you want to avoid lines, but it has to fit the right size to stay discreet.

What a tai cut is

A tai has a narrow back and a high-cut leg, so there is much less fabric at the back than in a bikini or a hipster. The front covers as usual, while the back is narrow. It is the narrow back that means a tai rarely shows under close-fitting clothes when it sits properly.

Why tight trousers show lines

Lines appear where an edge of fabric or elastic presses on the skin and the trousers lie close on top. With bamboo knickers in a cut with a narrow back there are fewer edges to notice. The cut makes the difference, but so does the material, because soft fabric does not press as hard.

How a tai should sit

The waistband should lie flat over the hip and not squeeze, and the leg edge should follow the thigh without cutting in. If it is too tight, it makes exactly the lines you wanted to avoid. So try it in two sizes if you are unsure, and walk around a little to feel whether it stays in place.

The colour under the trousers

Choose a colour close to your skin or to the trousers, and avoid white under light trousers if the fabric is thin. Dark pairs work better under dark trousers. It is often the colour difference that gives knickers away, more than the edge itself, so a calm colour is almost always the most discreet.

When a tai is not the best choice

Some people find the narrow back unfamiliar, and it gives less coverage. If you get chafing or prefer more fabric, try a bikini or a hipster with a flat edge. A tai is not better than other cuts, it is just often more discreet under tight clothes.

A soft fabric against the skin

Viscose from bamboo is soft and adapts to the body, which helps in a cut with little fabric and therefore more rubbing. See more in bamboo underwear for women if you want the whole drawer in the same material. A soft fabric lets the knickers lie calmly all day.

Washing and caring for narrow cuts

Narrow cuts are easier to pull out of shape, so wash them in a laundry bag and as the care label says. Use a mild detergent, avoid much fabric softener and dry them flat. That keeps the elastic soft and stops the knickers losing their shape, so they keep sitting neatly under your trousers.

The rest of the outfit under the trousers

The knickers are only part of the picture. Tight trousers also show a top that sits loosely, or the edge of a bra. Try bamboo tops for women in a smooth cut, so the upper body sits as calmly as the bottom half. It gives an even line all the way.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tai cut?

A tai has a narrow back and a high-cut leg. It covers less at the back than a bikini or hipster and therefore shows less often under tight trousers.

Does a tai show under tight trousers?

When it fits properly, it is often the least visible. The waistband should lie flat and the leg edge should not cut in, or it can make the very lines you want to avoid.

Which size should I choose?

Choose your usual size and try two if you are unsure. If it is too tight, it shows more, so check that it lies calmly.